Adjustable formfitting protective footwear

ABSTRACT

The present invention is generally directed to improved formfitting protective footwear generally comprising a protective sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward, and which includes fasteners which allow the user to adjust the footwear to comfortably fit his or her foot. In all embodiments, the formfitting protective footwear apparatus of the present invention surrounds the forefoot about the instep and arch and extends forward to protect at least the ball of the foot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of the followingco-pending patent applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/557,029, filed Apr. 20, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/958,517, filed Oct. 5, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adjustable formfitting protectivefootwear generally comprising a protective sheath that envelops all or aportion of the foot from the ankle forward, and which includes fastenerswhich allow the user to adjust the footwear to comfortably fit his orher foot. The footwear can be worn during activities which are performedwith bare feet and which require traction and/or protection from skinburns and tears, including, for example, modern dance, Pilates, yoga andmartial arts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need for protective and functional footwear intended for specificapplications is well-known. Just as basketball and football placedifferent demands on the human foot and thus require different footwear,different forms of dance also require specialized footwear. For example,ballet requires specially designed slippers and toe shoes, jazz dancerequires specially designed character shoes, and tap dance requiresspecially modified tap shoes.

The dance style known as, modern dance requires rapid, abrupt, andcomplex shifts in body position, center of gravity, directional momentumand weight distribution and is often danced barefoot. Included in thesemovements are forceful turns, spins, stops and other movements that cancause friction burns, tearing, slivers, blisters and other footproblems. In addition, modern dancers—like other dancers—risk seriousinjury if their foot should slip on the dance floor or if they shouldturn their ankle. However, given the aesthetic requirements of theirart, modern dancers often opt to dance barefoot and tolerate the footdiscomfort and injuries associated therewith.

Earlier, unsuccessful attempts at providing footwear for barefootdancers included thongs wrapped around the foot and/or tying cut nylonstockings to the foot. Some modern dancers wear a “sole” that is securedto the foot by means of an ankle strap and toe loops. However, becausethis sole is not securely bound to the sole of the foot, severe tearingof the skin is common, particularly between the great and index toes. Asa result, most modem dancers are reluctant to use this type of footwear.

Co-pending patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/557,229 and 10/958,517,whose disclosures are incorporated-by-reference in their entirety,disclose various embodiments of footwear for dancers which addresses atleast some of the problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the various embodiments disclosed herein to provideadjustable formfitting protective footwear for dancers and otherbarefoot athletes such as practitioners of Pilates, yoga and martialarts, using fasteners to secure the footwear to the wearer's foot. Inparticular, the various embodiments disclosed herein generally relate toadjustable formfitting footwear for barefoot athletes which in oneembodiment comprises: a protective sleeve to be worn on a human footcomprising an inner portion and an outer portion; toe openings disposedin the sleeve; protective material secured to the inner portion of thesleeve; a footpad secured to the outer portion of the sleeve, whereinthe protective material and the footpad are positioned in locationswhereby they are underneath and protect the ball of the human's footwhen inserted in the sleeve; and fasteners on the protective sleeve foradjustably securing the footwear to the foot.

In another embodiment, the formfitting footwear comprises: a protectivesleeve to be worn on a human foot; toe openings disposed in the sleeve;a protective material disposed adjacent to the toe openings; and afootpad disposed on the protective material, wherein the protectivematerial and the footpad are positioned on the sleeve in locationswhereby they are underneath and protect the ball of the human's footwhen inserted in the sleeve; and fasteners on the protective sleeve foradjustably securing the footwear to the foot.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the description of the drawings and the invention, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and related objects, features and advantages of the disclosedfootwear will be more fully understood with reference to the followingdetailed description of the preferred, albeit illustrative, embodimentsof the present invention when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the formfittingprotective footwear of applicant's footwear;

FIG. 2 shows the unassembled components of a second embodiment of thedisclosed footwear;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of footwear assembled using the componentsshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 positioned on afoot;

FIG. 5 shows the unassembled components of a third embodiment of thedisclosed footwear;

FIGS. 6A-B show plan and bottom views of the footwear assembled usingthe components of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A shows the components of a partially unassembled fourthembodiment of the disclosed footwear;

FIG. 7B shows the footwear of FIG. 7A after it has been assembled;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the disclosedfootwear;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing various components of the protectivefootwear according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the disclosedfootwear with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing various components of the protectivefootwear according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosedfootwear with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing various components of the protectivefootwear according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the disclosedfootwear with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration;

FIG. 12 shows the sleeve of FIG. 11 spread out and patterned to includea second cut-out portion;

FIG. 13 shows protective footwear according to a ninth exemplaryembodiment of the disclosed footwear;

FIG. 14 shows protective footwear according to a tenth embodiment of thedisclosed footwear;

FIG. 15 shows a method of forming formfitting footwear according to anexemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear;

FIG. 16 shows another method of forming formfitting footwear accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear.

FIGS. 17-21 show an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable formfittingfootwear;

FIGS. 22A-22D show another exemplary embodiment of adjustableformfitting footwear; and

FIG. 23 shows another exemplary embodiment of the adjustable footwear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to improved formfitting footwear forbarefoot activities, such as modern dance, yoga, Pilates and martialarts, which can be adjusted about a user's foot through the use of maleand female fasteners, including, for example, Velcro®, laces, snaps,buttons and hooks, to name a few. Before describing the adjustablefeatures of this footwear, the basic assembly of the footwear is firstdescribed. As will be seen, the footwear can be assembled according tovarious configurations, each of which can include fasteners foradjusting the footwear.

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the formfitting protectivefootwear 10 includes an elasticized sleeve 12 capable of remainingfitted about the forefoot and being provided with a footpad 14 ofprotective materials sufficient to protect the ball of the foot whenfootwear 10 worn on a human foot. Sleeve 12 is further provided with anelastic band 16 for retaining sleeve 12 about the instep of the foot andtoe openings 18 for retaining sleeve 12 at the forefoot without slippagetoward the heel.

FIG. 2 shows the construction elements of a second embodiment of thefootwear. As shown in FIG. 2, this embodiment is constructed of fourelements. First element 22 is an upper elasticized material having afirst edge 24 disposed substantially perpendicular to side edges 26 and26′ thereof and a second edge 28 defining a curve or shape such that theportions of second edge 28 proximate to side edges 26 and 26′ are closerto first edge 24 than is the center portion of second edge 28. Secondelement 32 is a substantially non-elasticized material having a firstedge 34 defining a curve or shape that matingly corresponds to the curveor shape of second edge 28 of first element 22. Although substantiallynon-elastic, the second element 32 preferably has some elasticproperties which allow the toe holes to stretch around the wearer'stoes. The second element 32 also includes side edges 36 and 36′, and asecond edge 38 provided with five toe holes 33 disposed adjacentthereto.

Preferably, element 32 is made from material having characteristicsresistant to tearing in the areas adjacent to or between toe holes 33during intensive use, while at the same time having properties whichprovide sufficient comfort to the foot, and unlikely to induceblistering or tearing of the skin adjacent to or between the toes. Forexample, element 32 could be made from any one or more of soft leather,neoprene or a Lycra containing knit, or woven fabric, to name a few.Third element 42 is a lower elasticized material having both a firstedge 44 and a second edge 48 disposed perpendicularly to side edges 46and 46′. Finally, fourth element 52 is a non-elasticized materialsuitable for use as a pad capable of protecting the ball of the foot,while not inhibiting the movement of the wearer.

In various embodiments, fourth element 52 may be constructed of anysuitable material which provides traction, including, for example,smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers andelastomers, and other similar suitable materials. Additionally, fourthelement 52 may optionally be textured by dimpling, forming ridgestherein, forming grooves therein, or other means. Such textures wouldserve to provide enhanced traction between fourth element 52 and flatsurface, such as a floor.

To assemble the embodiment of FIG. 2, first and second elements 22 and32 are joined, preferably by stitching, along their corresponding edges28 and 34. Likewise, fourth element 52 is joined to third element 42,again, preferably by stitching, such that fourth element 52 ispositioned under the ball of the foot in the finished article.Thereafter, first and third elements 22 and 42 are joined to form afoot-shaped profile, again, preferably by stitching, along their sideedges 26/46 and 26′/46′, such that the perpendicularly disposed secondedges 24 and 44 of first element 22 and third element 42 are adjacent toeach other and in parallel, leaving an opening there between throughwhich a foot is inserted. At this point in the assembly process, fourthelement 52 is disposed within the interior of the assembled footwear(see FIG. 3). First edge 38 of second element 32 is then joined to thirdelement 42, again, preferably by stitching. Finally, the constructedarticle 20 is trimmed along the joined edges and turned inside-out, suchthat the trimmed edges now occupy the interior void and fourth element52 is now disposed on the exterior of the article. FIG. 3 shows aperspective view of constructed article 20 made from the elements shownin FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 3positioned over a human foot, wherein the fourth element 52 and secondelement 32 are positioned such that they are underneath and protect theball of a wearer's foot when inserted therein.

It is noted that the foregoing assembly steps may be performed indifferent sequences, provided that the finished article is properlyconstructed to withstand intensive use. Additionally, it is noted thatalthough the second element 32 and fourth element 52 are described asseparate elements, one skilled in the art would understand that thisembodiment can be modified such that these elements are combined as asingle construction.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the third element 42 maybe pre-cut such that construction is completed without need for atrimming step. FIGS. 6A and 6B shows an assembled view of the componentsof FIG. 5, wherein the second element 32 is on the exterior of thefootwear and fourth element 52 is on the interior. To complete assembly,the footwear is stitched together and turned inside out such that thesecond element 32 is on the interior of the footwear and element 52 ison the exterior, wherein second elements 32 and the fourth element 52are positioned underneath and protect the ball of wearer's foot wheninserted therein, as shown in FIG. 6B. One skilled in the art willunderstand that these components can be assembled according to themethods relating to FIGS. 2-4, except that trimming would not berequired after assembly.

Optionally, edge 39 and 39′ of the first and third elements 22 and 42are not stitched together, but rather include mating fasteners 43, 43′,such as, for example, Velcro®, laces and loops, hooks and clips, snapsand buttons, to name a few. The remaining edges of the elements arestitched together. In this regard, edges 36 and 37 are stitchedtogether, edges 36′ and 37′ are stitched together and edges 41 and 41′are stitched together. Once assembled, the footwear is turned insideout, so that the second element 32 is on the interior of the footwearand fourth element 52 is on the exterior, wherein elements 32 and 52 arepositioned underneath and protect the ball of wearer's foot wheninserted therein, as shown if FIG. 6B. According to this embodiment,edges 39 and '39 are secured together via fasteners 43 and '43 afterinserting the foot into the footwear, and the fasteners may be adjustedto make the footwear tighter or looser.

FIGS. 7A-B show the components of another embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 7A, this embodiment includes an elongatedstrip of material 100 having first edge 102 defining an outward curve orshape having a single toe hole 104 defined adjacent thereto. Thematerial 100 also includes side edges 106 and 106′, and a second edge108 that is substantially straight and disposed perpendicularly to eachof side edges 106 and 106′. An opening (not shown) is included inmaterial 100 adjacent to the toe hole 104′. The opening has a size andshape corresponding to the size and shape of a footpad/protectivematerial 110, which is inserted into and secured to the opening viastitching, gluing or other means. In one embodiment, thefootpad/protective material 110 is a single piece having an innerprotective surface and an outer traction surface which are positionedunderneath and protect the ball of a wearer's foot when insertedtherein, as shown if FIG. 7B. The inner surface of the footpad/protectmaterial is preferably made from a moisture wicking material, and theouter surface made from any one or more of smooth leather, suedeleather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers, elastomers and syntheticrubber materials, such as neoprene. According to this embodiment, edges106 and 106′ are secured together via stitching and then turned insideout.

The material 100 can optionally include mating fasteners 107 and 107′adjacent to ends 106 and 106′, as shown in phantom in FIG. 7A. In thisembodiment, the wearer simply inserts a toe through toe hole 104 andsecures fasteners 107, 107′ together about the foot. In use, the articleis slipped over a human foot such that the great or second toe isinserted into toe hole 104 with the remaining toes extendingunencumbered beyond first edge 102.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. This embodiment 120 is of unitary construction and is formedby a conventional molding process. Footpad 122 constructed of a like oralternate material may optionally be provided. Here again, the footpadis made from one piece having an inner protective surface and an outertraction surface which are positioned underneath and protect the ball ofa wearer's foot when inserted therein.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing various components of the protectivefootwear according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention withthe sleeve in a spread-out configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the sleeve210 is cut out of or otherwise formed from elastic material so as tohave the appropriately placed toe openings 214 formed in an upperportion 211 of the sleeve 210. The elastic material used to form thesleeve 210 is preferably lycra or spandex. The pad 216 is attached to alower portion 213 of the sleeve 210 preferably by sewing. In thisembodiment, the pad 216 is a multi-layer structure made up of aground-contact layer 218, a shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220and an optional moisture absorbing layer 222. The various layers of thepad 216 may be laminated together by, for example, adhesive, heat or acombination of the two.

The ground-contact layer 218 is preferably made of a durable materialthat provides adequate friction with the ground surface, includingsmooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers,elastomers and synthetic rubber materials, such as neoprene. Theground-contact layer 218 may also be textured to enhance traction, suchas by forming ridges, grooves and/or dimplings in the outer surface ofthe ground-contact layer 218. The thickness of the ground-contact layer218 is preferably in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 2.0 mm.

The shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220 is preferably placedbetween the ground-contact layer 218 and the optional moisture-absorbinglayer 222. Depending on the structure and materials used, theshock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220 has the ability to cushionand/or absorb forces exerted on the wearer's feet. The shock-absorbingand/or cushioning layer 220 assists in reducing foot pain and injury.Suitable materials for the shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220include foam materials, such as, for example, polyurethane foam,hydrophilic urethane foam, polyethylene foam, closed cell foams, opencell foams, ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), or gel-like materials,such as, non-silicon polymer gel. The thickness of the shock-absorbinglayer 18 is preferably in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 3.0 mm. Ifdesired, the shock-absorbing and moisture or wicking layer may becombined to form a single construction.

The moisture-absorbing or wicking layer 222 is preferably placed closestto the wearer's foot to enhance sweat absorption capability. Themoisture-absorbing layer is an optional layer, and thus, in otherexemplary embodiments of the invention, the pad 216 may only include theground-contact layer 218 and the shock-absorbing layer 220, or theground-contact layer 218 only. The moisture absorbing layer 222 ispreferably made of materials such as, for example, Ultralore® or nylonand polyester fabrics made with up to 50% load of ReFresh fibers, ortreated with moisture wicking finishes and has a thickness in the rangeof about 0.25 mm to about 2.0 mm. If desired, the shock-absorbing andmoisture or wicking layer may be combined to form a single construction.

The elastic piece 212 is preferably in a band shape and is attached tothe end of the sleeve 210 furthest from the wearer's toes. The elasticpiece 212 is attached to the sleeve 210 by sewing and/or adhesive and ismade of, for example, woven or knit elastic.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing various components of the protectivefootwear according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention withthe sleeve in a spread-out configuration. This embodiment issubstantially the same as the embodiment of FIG. 9, except for theprovision of a separate toe piece 232 that protects the forefoot of thewearer and provides toe openings. As shown in FIG. 10, the toe piece 232is attached to a cutout portion 230 of the sleeve 210 formed in theupper portion 211 of the sleeve 210. Preferably the toe piece 232 isformed of a material that provides sufficient support so that theportions adjacent to or between the toe holes do not tear duringintensive use, and also sufficient comfort so as not to induceblistering or tearing of the skin adjacent to or between the toes.Appropriate materials for the toe piece 232 may be, for example,neoprene, powermesh or tricot spandex.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing various components of the protectivefootwear according to an another exemplary embodiment with the sleeve ina spread-out configuration. This embodiment is substantially the same asthe first-described embodiment, except for the provision of a secondcut-out portion 234 formed in a lower portion 213 of the sleeve 210 thataccommodates the pad 216. FIG. 12 shows the sleeve 210 spread out andpatterned to include the second cut-out portion 234. The pad 216 isattached to the cut-out portion 234 preferably by sewing.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the protectivefootwear which includes a sleeve 210 having a first cut-out portion 234sized and shaped to accommodate a pad 216 when attached thereto.Similarly, the sleeve 210 has a second cut-out portion 230 sized andshaped to accommodate a toe piece 232 when attached thereto. All otherfeatures of this embodiment are substantially similar to the embodimentsdescribed with reference to FIGS. 9-12, and can be varied in a similarmanner to those embodiments if desired.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the footwearpositioned for use over a human foot. This embodiment, which may beadapted for use with any of the other embodiments of the invention, ischaracterized by a sleeve 140 which extends over the ankle, therebyproviding increased lateral stability and support. The sleeve 140 can bemade from two pieces of Lycra sewn together, or a single piece of Lycramade on a knitting machine. The sleeve 140 includes a pad 216 having thesame construction as that described with reference to FIG. 9. The pad216 which is located underneath and protects the ball of the foot. Thefootpad and protective material can be made and attached to the sleeve140 according to any of the embodiments discussed herein, and can bemade as a single construction or made from multiple elements. In oneembodiment, the footpad is made of neoprene, rubber, or a moistureabsorbing foam.

In a method of forming the protective footwear according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the sleeve 210 is first formed from a Lycrasheet in a spread out configuration as shown in the embodiments of FIGS.9-14. As shown in FIGS. 10-13, cut-out portions 230 and/or 234 may beformed in the Lycra sleeve to accommodate the toe piece 232 and/or thepad 216, respectively. Alternatively, toe holes 214 may be formeddirectly in the sleeve 210 instead of using a separate toe piece 232.The pad 216 is then attached to the lower portion 213 of the sleeve 210and the lycra is trimmed around the pad 216. The elastic piece 212 isalso attached to the end of the sleeve 210 furthest from the wearer'stoes, which can be done at any time during the assembly process. Asshown in FIG. 15, the upper portion 211 of the sleeve 210 is folded overthe lower portion 213 of the sleeve 210 such that the pad 216 isdisposed within the void defined by the upper portion 211 and lowerportion 213. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the upper portion 211 and thelower portion 212 are joined together around their respective edges, andthe product is turned inside out to result in the finished protectivefootwear 210.

In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17-23 mating fasteners 251,253 (shown in phantom) may optionally be included along the outer loweredges of sleeve 210. The operation and function of these adjustablefasteners is best shown for these embodiments in FIG. 18, which showspad 216 attached to sleeve 210 by a seam 258. As shown in phantom inFIG. 17, the sleeve 210 includes a first cut-out portion 234 and/or asecond cut-out portion 230 to accommodate the pad 216 and the toe piece232, respectively. Additionally, toe holes 214 are included in thesleeve 210 (or toe piece 232 if used) and an elastic retaining strip 212is secured to the bottom of sleeve 210. Additionally, fasteners 251 and253 are secured (e.g., via stitching) to the bottom half of the sleeve210, as shown in FIG. 18.

To complete assembly of the sleeve 210, the upper portion 211 is foldedover the lower portion 213, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21. Next, the outerperiphery of pad 216, which extends between points 255 and 256, issecured by a seam 259 to the outer periphery of the upper portion sleeve210, which extends between portions 256, 257, as shown in FIG. 20. Thematerial on sleeve 210 located below portions 255 and 257 are notstitched together. Rather, they include fasteners 251, 253, which in apreferred embodiment, is Velcro®. However, other fasteners, such aslaces, hooks, loops, snaps and buttons may also be used. Once assembled,the sleeve 210 is turned inside out for use (see FIG. 21).

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment which was assembled according tothe foregoing method, and which includes cutouts corresponding to thepad 216 and toe piece 232.

The fasteners 251 and 253 allow the wearer to close and adjust thesleeve 210 according to the size of their foot. In this regard, onceinserted on the wearer's foot, the fasteners 251, 253 are securedtogether about the foot and can be adjusted as needed. Additionally, forthis embodiment, it is possible to assemble the footwear without themoisture absorbing layer 222, and/or the shock absorbing and/orcushioning layer 220 such that the pad includes the ground contact layer218 only. Moreover, although the fasteners 251 and 253 are located onthe bottom of the foot when worn, it is possible to modify the design ofthe footwear such that the fasteners are located on the top side of thefootwear, if desired. In each of the embodiments described herein, thepad 216 is located in a position where it will be underneath and protectthe ball of the foot when the footwear is worn.

Referring to FIGS. 22A-22D, another embodiment of the adjustablefootwear is shown. In this embodiment, a sleeve 303 (FIG. 22C) is formedfrom a bottom portion 307 (FIG. 22B) and a top portion 309 (FIG. 22A).The bottom portion 307 includes a pad 305 secured to an elastic material304, such as Lycra®. The elastic material 304 has a rectangular portion311 and a somewhat triangular portion 313 having two rounded portions315, 317 along its upper edge. Fasteners 321 and 323 are locatedadjacent to the far ends of rectangular portion 311. Preferably,fasteners 321, 323 are Velcro®, but can be other types of fasteners aswell, including, for example, hooks, laces, buttons, snaps and the like.The pad 305 is generally heart shaped and includes rounded edges thatcorrespond in shape and size to rounded portions 315, 317 of elasticmaterial 304 and are secured thereto (e.g., via stitching), as shown inFIG. 22B.

Top portion 309 is approximately the same width as the pad 305, as shownin FIG. 22A. Top portion 309 has a rectangular or square-shaped lowerhalf 331 and an upper rounded half 333, which includes toe holes 310.The rounded half 333 of top portion 309 is secured to the upper of pad305 via a seam 337, thereby forming a pocket through which the foot andtoes are inserted, as shown in FIG. 22C. The lower half 331 of topportion 309 includes a fastener 339 (e.g., Velcro®) which is locatedsuch that it will mate with fasteners 321 and 323 when worn on a foot,as shown in FIG. 22D.

In operation, the wearer inserts his or her foot in the pocket betweentop portion 309 and bottom portion 307, with the toes extending throughtoe holes 310. Next, the wearer folds the rectangular portions 311 overthe top of his or her foot and secures the fasteners 321, 323 tofastener 337. The wearer can adjust the fastener so until a comfortablefit is achieved, and the pad 305 is located in a position which isunderneath and protects the ball of the wearer's foot.

It is noted that for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 22A-22D, the pad 305can consist of the moisture absorbing layer 222, ground contact layers218 and cushioning layer 220, or any combination thereof. Additionally,if desired, a separate toe piece and corresponding cut-out can be used.

It should be appreciated that the protective footwear according tovarious exemplary embodiments of the invention may be made by any othersuitable process, such as one in which the sleeve with the toe holes areformed as a unitary construction using conventional molding processes.Alternatively, the upper and lower portions of the sleeve may be twoentirely separate pieces which are later sewn together. Soft leather,synthetic leather or any other suitable materials may be used so thatthe footpad is constructed of one layer that is either sewn onto thesleeve 210 or sewn on to a cutout area 234 where the inner surface ofthe footpad that makes contact with the skin serves as the protectivelayer and the opposite side serves as the ground contact layer.

It is understood that the presently claimed invention may be embodied inother specified forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and allchanges which come within the meaning and range or equivalency of theclaims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. Formfitting footwear comprising: a protective sleeve to be worn on ahuman foot comprising an inner portion and an outer portion; toeopenings disposed in said sleeve; protective material secured to theinner portion of said sleeve; a footpad secured to said outer portion ofsaid sleeve, wherein said protective material and said footpad arepositioned in locations whereby they are underneath and protect a ballof said human's foot when inserted in said sleeve; and fasteners on saidprotective sleeve for adjustably securing said footwear to the foot. 2.The footwear of claim 1, further comprising material which retains saidsleeve about said foot's instep when inserted in said sleeve.
 3. Thefootwear of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is formed from at least twosheets of material which are partially stitched together.
 4. Thefootwear of claim 1, wherein said fasteners are Velcro®.
 5. The footwearof claim 4, wherein said footpad is made from a material from the groupconsisting of smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldablepolymers and elastomers.
 6. The footwear of claim 1, wherein saidfootpad is textured to enhance traction.
 7. The footwear of claim 6,wherein said textured footpad comprises one or more of the following:ridges, grooves and dimpling.
 8. The footpad of claim 1, furthercomprising an absorption layer adjacent to said footpad and protectivematerials.
 9. Formfitting footwear comprising: a protective sleeve to beworn on a human foot; toe openings disposed in said sleeve; a protectivematerial disposed adjacent to said toe openings; a footpad disposed onsaid protective material, wherein said protective material and saidfootpad are positioned on said sleeve in locations whereby they areunderneath and protect a ball of said human's foot when inserted in saidsleeve; and fasteners on said protective sleeve for adjustably securingsaid footwear to the foot.